MATH 5331: Evolution of Mathematical Systems

Fall 2011

I. COURSE INFORMATION

Meeting Time and Place: Tuesday 7:00 PM in CS 107

Instructor: Elaine Young

Office Address: ST 207B

Office Phone: 825-2819

E-mail Address:

Web Address: http://sci.tamucc.edu/~eyoung/5331/index.html

Office hours: Tuesday 5:30-6:45 PM

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The evolution of mathematical concepts and thought from ancient to modern times, including women and men who played key roles, from original and secondary sources.

Rationale: Provides a better understanding of the historical development of larger context for mathematical topics studied in other courses, and deepens understanding and appreciation of these topics.

Intended audience: This course is intended to benefit current and future mathematics teachers.

III. PREREQUISITES

Graduate standing; MATH 5321 or consent of instructor.

IV. TEXTBOOKS & MATERIALS

  • Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea, Charles Seife, 2000
  • Course packet

V. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

The course will be taught using lecture, discussion, projects, and class presentations.

VI. COURSE SCHEDULE

See course calendar http://sci.tamucc.edu/~eyoung/5331/calendar.html

VII. EVALUATION

Participation 25%
Homework 25%
Presentation 25%
Pre-/Post-test 25%

VIII. CLASS POLICIES

Attendance: attendance is expected at every class and is included in the participation grade. If you cannot attend a class session, please be considerate and responsible in communicating with both the instructor and your group members. Absences will be regarded as unexcused unless communication with the instructor resolves the issue and makeup work is completed as determined by the instructor.

Participation: active participation is required from all class members during each class period. If you miss a day, you will be expected to makeup the experiences in class that you missed. Check with the instructor for makeup assignments.

Makeup work: if you miss a class, communicate with the instructor to determine what makeup work is required for the time missed.

Late work: assigned homework is only accepted late if prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Help: the best source of help for this course is the people directly involved: your peers or the instructor. Self-organized group study sessions are excellent to find out what questions you need to ask in class or during office hours.

IX. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Develop a timeline for the history of mathematics
  • Calculate mathematical problems using historic methods
  • Research, organize, and prepare a class presentation on a historical mathematical topic
  • Demonstrate growth of mathematical knowledge in the context of history from pre- to post-test

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism

University students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic misconduct for which a student is subject to penalty includes all forms of cheating, such as illicit possession of examinations or examination materials, falsification, forgery, complicity or plagiarism. (Plagiarism is the presentation of the work of another as one’s own work.) In this class, academic misconduct or complicity in an act of academic misconduct on an assignment or test will result in a zero grade.

Dropping a Class

I hope that you never find it necessary to drop this or any other class. However, events can sometimes occur that make dropping a course necessary or wise. Please consult with me before you decide to drop to be sure it is the best thing to do. Should dropping the course be the best course of action, you must initiate the process to drop the course by going to the Student Services Center and filling out a course drop form. Just stopping attendance and participation WILL NOT automatically result in your being dropped from the class. 4 November 2011, is the last day to drop a class with an automatic grade of “W” this term.

Classroom/professional behavior

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as an academic community, requires that each

individual respect the needs of others to study and learn in a peaceful atmosphere.

Under Article III of the Student Code of Conduct, classroom behavior that interferes with

either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or (b) the ability of other students to

profit from the instructional program may be considered a breach of the peace and is

subject to disciplinary sanction outlined in article VII of the Student Code of Conduct.

Students engaging in unacceptable behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom.

This prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including classrooms, electronic

classrooms, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc.

Grade Appeals

As stated in University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, a student who

believes that he or she has not been held to appropriate academic standards as

outlined in the class syllabus, equitable evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading,

may appeal the final grade given in the course. The burden of proof is upon the student

to demonstrate the appropriateness of the appeal. A student with a complaint about a

grade is encouraged to first discuss the matter with the instructor. For complete details,

including the responsibilities of the parties involved in the process and the number of

days allowed for completing the steps in the process, see University Rule 13.02.99.C2,

Student Grade Appeals, and University Procedure 13.02.99.C2.01, Student Grade

Appeal Procedures. These documents are accessible through the University Rules Web

site at http://www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/index.html. For assistance and/or

guidance in the grade appeal process, students may contact the Office of Student

Affairs.

Disabilities Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that

provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other

things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a

learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If

you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please call or visit

Disability Services at (361) 825-5816 in Driftwood 101.

Veterans

If you are a returning veteran and are experiencing cognitive and/or physical access issues in the classroom or on campus, please contact the Disability Services office for assistance at (361) 825-5816.